"I say to myself, I will not mention His name, I will speak in His name no more. But then, it becomes like a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones, I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it." Jeremiah 20:7-10

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Praise!

When I awake in the morning, and the fog of sadness overcomes me, thinking of reasons to praise God always picks me up...

1. My mother-in-law Marilyn had successful surgery this week to remove her breast cancer, and my nephew had successful surgery after being assaulted. (See my sister Debby's blog, Heavenly Humor, for the story and to join in prayer for Aaron.)

2. My nephew and Godson, Matthew was able to spend a few days at home from his military station in California before he leaves with the Marines for Afghanistan. It was wonderful to spend some time with him and celebrate his birthday before he goes. We were especially blessed with beautiful warm weather for November as we wandered the zoo on a family-free day.

3. My husband and I enjoyed a vacation day together this week browsing at an antique store and sampling treats at a gourmet grocery store. Days alone together are a rare treat!

4. My son Jack served at his first Mass this week. He was so excited and did a very good job!

5. I am so grateful for a warm cup of coffee between my icy hands on a cold morning, and the additional gift of warm steam rising to my face brings me so much comfort.

Dear God, for all of these blessings I give you praise and I ask you to keep gently nudging me with reminders of your goodness whenever I'm tempted to despair. Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give my life to you.

Sea Glass Prayer

Handmaids of the Precious Blood

click on the picture to learn more about nuns for priests and the oblates of this order

Roses for Our Lady

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Archdiocese of Milwaukee-Monthly Prayer Request for Priests

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Rosary for the Bishop

Invisible Monastery

Pray for vocations in your diocese

The Apostleship of Prayer

The mission of the Apostleship of Prayer is to encourage you to pray daily for the Church and the world, as well as for Pope Benedict's two prayer intentions each month. Since 1844 millions of members of the Apostleship of Prayer throughout the world have offered themselves to God for the good of others. In offering ourselves we imitate Jesus Christ, who offered himself for the salvation of all. Join us!

St. John Vianney-Patron Saint of Priests

"Put all the good works in the world against one Holy Mass; They will be as a grain of sand beside a mountain" Saint John Vianney

From John's Passion by Bach

Consider, my soul, with a tortured joy, and with a bitter burden half stifling my heart, your highest good in the sufferings of Jesus. Consider how, for you, on the thorns that prick Him, blooms the flowers that open the gates of heaven; from His bitter wormwood you can pluck sweet fruit in abundance. Therefore, never cease to contemplate Him.

Erbarme Dich from Matthew's Passion by Bach

Have mercy, my God, for my tears' sake; look hither, heart and eyes weep before Thee bitterly. Although I have strayed from Thee, yet I have returned again; for Thy Son has reconciled us through His agony and mortal pain. I do not deny my guilt, but Thy grace and favor is far greater than the sin which I ever confess in myself.

Prayer of St. John Vianney

I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally...My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.

Prayer of St. Louis de Montfort

What ill or evil, Lord, can harm
This joyous heart that You alone can charm?
I love You more with every breath,
So how can I fear life or death?
To love You, Father, is to live and sing
The songs the angels sing their King.
God alone in every cell of me!
God alone! For all eternity!